AZDOC - Prison policy threatens discipline for speaking to media

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Corrections, Reentry and Rehabilitation significantly changed their media relations policy by instituting new rules that are unlawful and aim to keep staff and inmates from speaking to journalists.

Corrections officials sent a statement but did now acknowledge ABC15's request to interview Director David Shinn. The Governor’s Office has not responded to a request for comment.

In new policies effective July 9, the department blocked staff - both on or off duty - from speaking to the media in any capacity without authorization.

Staff are also ordered to immediately notify the administration if reporters contact them.

If they don’t, the new policy threatens staff with discipline.

The policy change, first reported by KJZZ, quickly received sharp criticism from lawmakers and from Carlos Garcia, executive director of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association.

https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/prison-policy-threatens-discipline-for-speaking-to-media